LOTRO is the Selling PC Game Across North America and Europe

LOTRO is the Selling PC Game Across North America and Europe

WESTWOOD, MA and CHICAGO, IL - May 10, 2007 - Today, Turbine, Inc., Midway Games Inc. and Codemasters Online Gaming announced that TheLord of the Rings Online(TM): Shadows of Angmar(TM) is the #1 selling PC title across North America and Europe based on the most recent industry reports. The Lord of the Rings Online has outsold all other PC games across North America, Germany, United Kingdom and France according to data from NPD (NA), Chart-Track (UK), GfK (France) and Media Control (Germany).

In addition to soaring sales, The Lord of the Rings Online (LOTRO Lotro gold) has been enthusiastically received by gaming critics around the globe:

The New York Times proclaimedLOTRO as "a major achievement of interactive storytelling, the first game truly worthy of the 'Lord of the Rings' franchise and a must-play for just about anyone with an interest in Tolkien or the future of online entertainment."

GameSpy awarded the game its prestigious Editor's Choice award with 4.5 out of 5 stars.

Computer and Video Games, a leading UK gaming site, rated the game a 9.2 out of 10 and said "LOTRO gold presents a stunning and evocative world of Tolkien magic to explore."

GameDaily, a leading US gaming site, rated the game a 9 out of 10 and calls the game "a hot contender for PC game of the year."

"This outstanding start sets the stage for a bright future," said Jeffrey Anderson, president and CEO of Turbine, Inc. "This is only the beginning as we embark on an incredible journey with our players to expand the world of Middle-earth with the release of regular content updates."

"Following the most successful North American pre-order program in Midway's history, The Lord of the Rings Online is off to a great start," said Steve Allison, chief marketing officer, Midway. "As the positive reports and reviews continue to come in, gamers are settling into the game and experiencing Middle-earth as never before."

"The fabulous response from consumers and the media has been overwhelming," said David Solari, Vice President and General Manager of Codemasters Online Gaming. "It's been a great launch, but it's only the beginning for us. We look forward to rapid growth and welcoming thousands more to Middle-Earth!"

The Lord of the Rings Online delivers an interactive experience brimming with life and filled with the familiar people, places and monsters from the most beloved fantasy adventure of all time. From the quaint surroundings of the Shire to Angmar, the vile kingdom of the Witch-king, players will experience the world of Middle-earth as never before. For more information about The Lord of the Rings Online, please visit www.lotro.com or www.lotro-europe.com.

Exploring Middle-earth: Angmar Moot

In years past, when Arthedain and Cardolan strove to drive back the forces of Angmar, the Men of Rhudaur, under the leadership of an evil chieftain of the Hillmen, fell under the sway of the Witch-king of Angmar. As the years passed, the Hillmen were displaced northward by the better-trained and "civilized" Men of Angmar in preparation for a final war against the North-kingdom of Arthedain. After the defeat of the Witch-king's forces and the near-annihilation of the Angmarim, the Hillmen in the north gradually departed from the dark path laid down for them by the Witch-king and returned to their tribal ways.

Now, the Hillmen have become nomads, wandering the frozen wastes and hills of Angmar, content to hunt the great herds of aurochs, unconcerned with the doings of the strange folk who dwell in stone cities. Yet the clans still recognize the need to maintain relations with each other, in order to avert bloodshed as one clan infringes on the territory of another. In order to facilitate peaceful relations between their clans, the nomads established a neutral colony, a great tent city they named Aughaire, the Meeting-place. Here, the clans trade in furs, meats and produce, medicines, and slaves. A clan judge also resides here, an elder who mediates peaceful resolutions to disputes between rival clans.
In The Lord of the Rings Online TM: Shadows of AngmarTM (LOTRO), Aughaire figures prominently in the story of The Shadows of Angmar as the forces rising within the Witch-king's ancient stronghold of Carn Dûm once again try to dominate the spirits of the nomads, while the Dúnedain of the North seek to stem the evil tide from the North. A culture unique to LOTRO, melding the Gaelic clan life and the dark, superstitious influences of the Witch-realm of Angmar, Aughaire and the Free People of Angmar are excellent examples of the rich locations and cultures LOTRO can add to the grand tapestry of The Lord of the Rings, while maintaining the integrity of the original lore.